About this course
Learn the history and theory of film and gain a global perspective on cinema on this MA Film Studies master's degree at the University of Southampton. On this course you’ll develop in-depth knowledge of the most influential theories and approaches to understanding film. You’ll also find out about the latest debates and concerns around the industry.
This MA in film studies will give you the chance to examine the evolution of cinema and develop your own analytical skills.
You’ll gain valuable insights into the movie industry, looking at everything from film theory to current issues in film distribution.
You'll also benefit from:
- being taught by expert academics with an international reputation
- regular talks from industry professionals and acclaimed film scholars
- a flexible approach that allows you to pursue your own areas of interest
With the practical and theoretical skills you learn, you’ll be in a great position to move into a career in the arts or media.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Ruby Cheung, Associate Professor in Film Studies. Dr Cheung is an internationally recognised specialist in contemporary Hong Kong cinema, Chinese-language film industries and film festivals, and has published her research widely in these areas. Visit her staff profile to find out more about this work.
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in film or another arts subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this master’s course you’ll study for a full 12 months.
In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
In semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.
For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Classical Film Theory and Textual Analysis
Critical and theoretical fashions have led to waves of new approaches and methodologies, each with certain distinctive emphases and concerns. These have made Film Studies into a rich and varied discipline, particularly as they have formed an addition to c...
Film Studies Dissertation
The dissertation is a personal research project of 15,000 words, which is completed with some guidance from a personal supervisor. It takes place over the Summer period and should involve original research and high-quality formal written presentation of m...
Post-Classical Film Theory: Film History and Cinephilia
Following an emphasis on psychoanalysis and post-structuralism in the 1970s, academic writing on film since the mid-1980s focussed increasingly on the role of history in the interpretation of cinematic texts, accompanied by a ‘return to the archive’. Enga...
Preparing for the Dissertation
This module prepares you for writing the Masters dissertation. It includes both taught sessions and one-to-one tutorials.
Research in Film Studies
Full-time and (normally) first year part-time students on the MA in Film Studies and the MA in Film and Cultural management follow this research skills course, which includes an introduction to research, study and presentation skills, information technolo...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Auteur filmmakers: case studies in cinema
The term ‘auteur’ has been borrowed from literature, but how useful or appropriate a description is it when applied to the work of a filmmaker? In this module, we will examine this question through a study of the work of one filmmaker, locating the films ...
Current Issues in Film Distribution and Exhibition
The module offers the opportunity to study theories, concepts and professional practices relevant to the analysis of the distribution and exhibition of smaller budget independent film, in a range of different contexts, both commercial and subsidised. It i...
Digital Screen Cultures
East Asian Noir: Crime and the City
This module will start by exploring the work of Johnnie To, a prominent Hong Kong crime film director, as the main example to study East Asian Noir, and to interrogate issues of genre and authorship, as well as the intersection of the local and the global...
Film Policy: National and Global Contexts (Research)
This module offers a comparative study of contemporary global film industries, with particular focus on the UK, Europe and East Asia. It addresses how government and industry policy initiatives help to shape developments in the production and disseminatio...
Film Stardom and Celebrity Culture
The module explores issues of stardom and media celebrity in relation to debates on persona, performance, iconography, consumerism and capitalism, as well as issues of gender, sexuality and ethnicity. The emphasis will be on historical and industrial cont...
Film Studies Individually Negotiated Topic
This involves an in-depth study of a specific area in film analysis, history or theory. Subject areas are chosen in collaboration with the MA Coordinator, and content is negotiated individually between the student and the tutor with relevant expertise. Co...
The Supernatural in Audiovisual Culture
The Supernatural has always had a privileged place in audiovisual culture. Earliest films manifested ghosts through double exposures and the ‘Pepper’s Ghost’ special effect, at the same time that the mediums of film and sound recording were thought to hav...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn by a variety of methods. These include:
- seminar discussion
- oral presentations
- tutorial consultations
- essays
- independent learning
Assessment
You’ll write a 4,000 to 4,500-word essay for each module.
Dissertation
You'll research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. This will demonstrate the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during the course.
Your course tutor will provide advice and feedback on your progress.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Communication
- Creativity
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Theatres,
Television Stations,
Film Production Companies,
Radio Stations,
universities,
colleges,
Social Media Platforms,
Advertising Agencies,
PR Companies.
- Film director
- Film and video editor
- Location manager
- Production designer
- Programme researcher
- Runner
- Camera operator
- Producer
- Production coordinator
- Screenwriter
- Advertising art director
- Arts administrator
- Community arts worker
- Event manager
- Journalist
- Marketing executive
- Public relations officer
- Special effects technician
- Talent agent
- Journalist
- Marketing assistant
- Project manager
- Product content specialist
- Client services assistant
- Editorial assistant
- Content and channel manager
- Studio assistant
- Filmmaker
- Video editor
- Videographer
Job prospects for MA Film Studies graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £27,800.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship
40 scholarships of £10,000 each are available to international students studying for an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate master’s degree in Arts and Humanities.
Find out more about the Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
